About the Course
Mixed methods research integrates quantitative and qualitative data and is well suited for studying social service issues that are often complex and context-laden. Mixed methods research explores social issues more wholistically. It can be used in different types of social service research including evidence syntheses, needs assessments and programme evaluations. For example, it can be done to help wholistically understand the problem that a programme is trying to address. It can also be employed in programme evaluation to understand whether a programme works, how it works, and participants’ experience.
This course aims to provide social service professionals with an overview of the core mixed methods research designs and the main ways in which data can be mixed and presented meaningfully. Through the course, learners will gain knowledge of what mixed methods research is, the core mixed methods designs, ways to integrate quantitative and qualitative data meaningfully, and how mixed methods research can be applied to the social service sector.
Course Content/Topics
1. Research Paradigm
2. Core characteristics of mixed methods research
3. Core mixed methods research designs
4. Mixed methods research question
5. Sampling in mixed methods research
6. Integration in mixed methods research
7. Application of mixed methods research in the social service sector
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
Describe the core characteristics of mixed methods research.
Describe the core mixed methods design.
Explain how mixed methods research can be applicable to social service
Conduct a basic mixed methods research.
Who Should Attend
Social service professionals, researchers, all who are interested in learning about mixed methods research.
Award
Participants who meet 75% class attendance will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Academy of Human Development and Social Service Institute.
Your Trainer
Mr Lim Wei Loong
Lim Wei Loong is a full-time researcher at Fei Yue Community Services, where he is actively involved in supporting the utilisation of research to inform practice and conducing research and programme evaluation trainings for Fei Yue’s researchers and practitioners. Having had more than ten years of experience conducting research in the practice context, Wei Loong understands the challenges social service agencies faced when utilising and conducting research. This has enabled him to deliver research trainings that are practice-based and responsive to realities on the ground.
Wei Loong holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Philosophy in Social and Developmental Psychology from the University of Cambridge, a Graduate Diploma of Social Sciences (Professional Counselling) from Swinburne University, and a Master of Science in Evidence Based Health Care from the University of Oxford. He is the recipient of the 2021 Gillian Nicholls Prize for an outstanding dissertation in the subject of evidence-based healthcare awarded by the University of Oxford’s Kellogg College. Wei Loong has also completed the WSQ Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance (ACLP) and is currently pursuing his PhD at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Wei Loong currently holds associate positions at various local Institutes of Higher Learning. He has also taught developmental psychology and social programme evaluation for other Academy of Human Development courses. Besides, Wei Loong also serves as a member of the Agency of Integrated Care’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Testimonials
Muhammad Fawaz, Asst. Manager at Resilience Collective, 11 Oct 2024
If you have not done research, or are out of touch, yet need an introduction to a methodology to guide your steps, this could be an important part of your preparation. Having access to a researcher who is also a good teacher definitely helps in understanding the content. Really admire (Wei Loong's) enthusiasm for research, incredible content knowledge and not to mention ability to stay engaged and energetic for the WHOLE duration. HATS OFF AND THANK YOU!!! :D
Anonymous, 1st intake
The course was highly relavant to my work in the social sector and the trainer encouraged us to think of how it applies to our work.
Anonymous, 1st intake
I like how its a quick and comprehensive introduction to mixed research methods. Wei Loong is an amazing trainer!
